Why more companies are asking new employees to commence employment BEFORE Christmas.

Published On : 12/07/2016

By Shaun Simmons, Managing Director, Cordant Technical Recruitment

 There is a natural tendency at this time of year for companies to delay starting their new employees until after Christmas.

 The reasoning given for this is usually so they don’t have to pay them for dead time over the festive period or so that someone can have a “clean start” in the New Year.

However, more and more employers are now bucking this trend and pro-actively encouraging their hiring community to welcome their new recruits into the fold before the festive season begins.

When questioned upon this new school of thought, leading engineering companies highlighted the following as reasons for this new approach…

Christmas is the worst time for applicants accepting counter offers: Christmas parties, drinks, events, atmosphere all soften someone’s impression of their current company and can often lead to a last minute change of heart.

 The week between Christmas and New Year is the busiest time for job applications: Agencies and employers target this time with increased advertising as engineers are now back from working away or offshore, have spare time due to holidays / shutdowns and have “one last look” before starting in their new job in the New Year.

Family get involved: Decisions that have already been made get re-assessed over Christmas especially if the applicant has not had chance to discuss it face to face with the family or the new role is going to mean a change in lifestyle (less time with family, change in shifts, change in finances etc…)

Christmas is a great time to ease someone in: Inductions, completion of initial onboarding (IT / Eqpt / Company Vehicle), meet the team, attend OUR Christmas party / events…all of this can be done in a happy / festive / upbeat atmosphere (great first impression) with a view to HITTING THE GROUND RUNNING straight away in January.

The decision would appear to now be that a few weeks investment across the Festive Season is well worth it if negates the risk of a January let down that would put a company back to square one with an unexpected additional investment of time and money required to now fill the gap that they thought they had already filled!

Wanda Rich

Wanda Rich has been the Editor-in-Chief of Global Banking & Finance Review since 2011, playing a pivotal role in shaping the publication’s content and direction. Under her leadership, the magazine has expanded its global reach and established itself as a trusted source of information and analysis across various financial sectors. She is known for conducting exclusive interviews with industry leaders and oversees the Global Banking & Finance Awards, which recognize innovation and leadership in finance. In addition to Global Banking & Finance Review, Wanda also serves as editor for numerous other platforms, including Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.